I'm kinda bored so I figure I'll write up impressions on all the headphones and earphones I've owned the last 5 or so years. Some of them might be of interest to people.
disclaimer: I am not an audiophile. I cannot tell the difference between 256 kbps AAC and a lossless CD rip. most of the comments will be concerning sound coloration (bass heavy, strong treble, etc) and comfort.
first up, IEMs.
For around a year or so, I was really into trying to get the best IEM to listen to stuff at work. I eventually sold them all (except for a cheap Apple pair) as they blocked so much external noise, I couldn't hear my phone ring at my desk and that was just untenable. I also got tired of having them stuck in my head for so long. felt kinda congested with them blocking my ears so completely. I'm now pretty much an over-the-head headphone guy
Ultimate Ears triple Fi 10. My first super duper IEMs. these are super clear. you can hear every little detail like slight breath intakes when a singer begins a verse or the fingers sliding along a guitar neck. I noticed that these were very neutral and the bass wasn't exaggerated. treble was very, very precise and kinda in your face. worst part about them is their shape. they stick straight out of your ear and make you look like a goofy Stargate cast reject. sold these to get...
Westone 3: the best I have ever heard. I preferred these to the triple.fi's since they have a little more bass and music with heavy guitars or strong basslines felt more fun and lively. but they weren't bass heavy to the point of obscuring vocals or any of the higher frequencies. kinda hurt to sell them but I just couldn't use them at work since they isolated so well and I preferred to use headphones at home for comfort.
Apple dual driver in ear earphones: Got these with some gift cards and, really, they're not bad if you can get 'em for a good price. they're detailed and nothing sounds mushed together like you get with cheap-o buds. this is the pair i use now when I have to use IEMs. the worst part about them is that they're very clinical to my taste and there's no damn bass at all. avoid these if you like any thump in your music.
V-Moda Vibe Duo earphones. ugh. did not like these. got them years and years ago and it was a mistake. they have bass but it's all muddy and there's no clarity to anything in the higher frequencies. kinda like the exact opposite to the new apple ones I have.
Headphones.
Audio Technica ANC-7: these use a battery for active noise canceling. they do a pretty good job at that and I was able to use them at home to block out noise from a nearby window air conditioner. Sound was quite good but didn't really blow me away (copyright IGN). Ultimately, I sold them for comfort reasons. they were just too tight around the head.
Audio technica AD700: open cans for less than 100 that sound just great. I really like these. sooo comfy. soft velour pads. bigass cups that are super soft and they don't put pressure on your head. they're lacking in bass by default but if you pair them with a warm amp they fill in nicely and the bass has some presence and a leetle kick. I think these are some of the best pairs you can get for the price. there's a great soundstage where the sound really feels like it's coming from all around you instead of being drilled into your brain. downside is that they're for private listening only since they leak like a sieve and the purple/ beige color scheme might draw some weird looks (if you care about that)
Audio Technica ESW9: closed, portable cans with wood cups. the most beautiful headphones I have owned but I'm sucker for dark wood and leather. they sound great too. I prefer the sound of these compared to the AD700 since the bass is much more present and there's a more lush low-midrange that feels more prominent. however, I'm glad I paid 200 for these and not their original price of 350. they're not that much better than the cheaper AD700s.
I just got these last week and I've been listening to a couple albums, High Violet by The National and Brothers by The Black Keys and I think these shine on them. the deep, low vocals on High Violet and the dirty-ass, crunchy guitars on Brothers sound amazing. Very rich sound with a real prominent bottom end.
aaand, that's it. I'm considering getting some low end Grados as a counterpoint to the ESW9s later this year. and maybe next year I'll try some bass heavy Dt770s but I want to avoid the trap of buying a million headphones instead of just getting music...
